TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2018 – DAZN, the live and on-demand sports streaming platform, announced today that it has signed an eight-year distribution deal with Matchroom Boxing USA, a world-leading boxing promoter, to exclusively deliver a series of fight nights along with original programming on DAZN Canada.

DAZN Canada plans to broadcast 16 live fight nights through August 2019, beginning with the Jessie Vargas vs. Thomas Dulorme card on Oct. 6, 2018 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago and Oct. 20, 2018, when Billy Joe Saunders defends his middleweight title against Demetrius Andrade at TD Garden in Boston. DAZN will also produce original programming that viewers can watch ahead of and following fights.

DAZN’s investment comes on the heels of a historic $1 billion dollar joint venture between Matchroom Boxing and DAZN Group that was announced earlier this year. This joint venture represents DAZN’s vision to reignite the fight sports community and to bring passionate fans closer to their sport and fighters.

“For too long, the fight sports market in Canada has been underserved,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN SVP, North America. “Our partnership with Matchroom allows us to drive our fans-first approach and give our users an opportunity to pay one monthly flat fee with no long-term contract or commitment, an unprecedented value proposition for fight fans.”

Matchroom Boxing Managing Director Eddie Hearn said, “DAZN has already proven to be an integral partner in Matchroom’s growth around the world. For fight fans specifically, we want to make DAZN a must-have for fight fans by featuring the world’s biggest athletes at premium venues. By expanding our relationship into Canada, we’re confident we can make that vision become reality.”

For more information, fans can follow DAZN Canada’s social channels: @DAZN on Facebook, @DAZN_CA for Twitter, and DAZN_CA for Instagram.

ABOUT DAZN CA

DAZN is the world’s first dedicated live sports streaming service and is leading the change to give sports fans around the world access to sport anytime, anywhere. DAZN remains the only place for Canadians to watch every single live NFL game, and is the exclusive home of RedZone. DAZN has also become the new home of UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Serie A and offers MLS Live, MLB Network, Six Nations Rugby, boxing, cricket and much more live and on-demand.

Oleksandr Usyk and Tony Bellew head to head press conference to announce their fight for the WBC, IBF, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles on 10th November 2018 at Manchester Arena24th September 2018Picture By Mark Robinson.

Eddie Hearn:

“Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Manchester. The big fights just keep on coming after a fantastic weekend at Wembley Stadium in front of 80,000 people where Anthony Joshua defended his World titles in a brilliant fight against Alexander Povetkin. We bring you now what I believe is fight of the year, Tony Bellew challenging Oleksandr Usyk for the WBO, WBA, IBF, WBC and Ring Magazine World Championship titles – the first ever four belt undisputed fight ever in British boxing history and a massive event on November 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN across America as well. We have a huge night of boxing planned and already very few tickets left, we went on sale at midday today. There’s British Championship fights on the card between Ryan Walsh and Isaac Lowe, Scotty Cardle challenging Joe Cordina and Anthony Crolla here today will be in a Final Eliminator for the WBA title against Daud Yordan, back in the arena that has seen him in so many great fights. Josh Kelly will be on the card defending his WBA International title as well.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing:

“It was another magnificent occasion at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night in front of 80,000 people. I’ve got to pinch myself a little bit, being amongst not only Tony Bellew today, but Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko – pound for pound greats. This is a fantastic era, it’s wonderful that these guys are giving us the best entertainment in the ring and we never forget that the fighters are what matters most. When Eddie told me about this matchup I had to sit down, Tony is going in after the double over David Haye and I’ve admired Oleksadnr Usyk for some years now.”

Gilberto Mendoza, President of the World Boxing Association:

“Good afternoon everyone, thank you England for once again welcoming the WBA. To have Tony Bellew fighting for one of the WBA World titles against one of the best boxers in the sport right now and a pound-for-pound star is great. The fight will be very interesting. We are always looking to put on the best fights for the fans. It’s also an honour to have Antony Crolla fighting in an eliminator for the WBA World title. It’s going to be a great night of boxing and I’m really pleased this is happening in England.”

Alex Karassyuk, K2 Promotions:

“It’s a great pleasure being here introducing such a great event on November 10. First of all, I would like to give huge credit to Eddie and his partners Sky Sports for the job they have done in recent years, giving new life to British boxing and boxing in the whole World. I hope our cooperation will not just be within one fight or two fights, but we will be able to bring some top-level events to Britain, Ukraine and the rest of the World. I would like to say some pleasant words to the true warrior, the lion heart that we respect so much, Tony Bellew. He proved many times that being an underdog does not mean being a loser. Of course, I will be supporting Usyk on November 10, but I want to wish Tony good luck and a successful training camp. Usyk is just extraordinary, he’s one in a million. Together we have accomplished every boxers’ dream within just 15 fights. In five years we collected all of the belts in the division. Now we are here in the native land of boxing. This matchup is something the World was waiting for, the winner will get all of these amazing belts and probably book a place in the boxing Hall of Fame. This is history in the making.”

Egis Klimas, manager of Oleksandr Usyk:

“I’m very proud to represent the best Cruiserweight in the division right now. I can say that for sure it is going to be a very tough fight. It’s not going to be an easy walk in the park. As we know, Tony is a very good fighter. Both of these guys want a challenge. Oleksandr doesn’t just want to defend his belts, he wants a challenge, just like Tony did during his age. He was the best Cruiserweight and there was nobody left for him to fight so he stepped into the Heavyweight division, that says a lot. Now that he has a challenge, he says ‘screw it, I’m coming down, I want a challenge and I want those belts’. That’s why I think this is going to be a very good bout.”

“It’s a huge fight and I think mine and Daud Yordan’s styles will gel nicely, it’s going to be a great fight. There’s a lot of people going on about me being on the undercard for the first time in a while, but I’m honoured to be on the card with two fantastic fighters, I go way back with Tony Bellew. I’m just happy to be back in Manchester. It’s been a bit of a slow year with injuries and stuff, but I believe I’m better than ever. In the gym I’m improving and I’m looking forward to being back. I’d never be disrespectful and call Vasyl Lomachenko out but if he ever wants to fight in England and if I win on November 10 then there’s a good chance that fight happens, I’d love to get in the ring with him, he’s a fantastic fighter and one of the best fighters on the planet. It’s something that I’d look forward to, of course.”

Dave Coldwell, trainer of Tony Bellew:

“It’s something that I look at as a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m fortunate enough to have worked with Tony for a number of years and for me, to have the kind of fighter that he is and to have taken the fights that he has, that’s once in a lifetime stuff. To cap it off with an undisputed Cruiserweight World title fight is as big as it gets, it’s for all of the marbles, it’s the pinnacle.

“I wanted him to retire and walk away after the last David Haye fight. I saw Usyk call Tony’s name straight after winning the World Super Series during his interview in the ring and I thought ‘oh sh*t we’re going again’. I just knew, I didn’t have to text him or anything, I just knew it was a fight that was going to happen. So, we’re here and it’s a massive challenge but it’s only fitting. He’s a man that everyone loves to give zero chance. Now he’s showing his metal, his heart and his determination because there’s something there that he wants and he’s going to put it all on the line once more, we can’t wait.”

“I’m sure it won’t be an easy fight for me and I’m really glad to come back to England, the country which gave me a chance to get some trophies already, that mean a lot in my life. I’m not thinking about Tony Bellew at this moment, I’m just concentrating on my training camp and thinking about how I will overcome all of the challenges ahead of me before the fight. I’m not a monster, I’m a white rabbit. I picked Tony Bellew because he is the man that takes the biggest challenges. He is not the usual type of fighter that will come, see how hard it is and quit. He will come to fight until the end. These are the kind of fights that the World wants to see.”

“Everyone asks why. I was on my honeymoon and for one reason or another I was stood there watching Oleksandr beat-up Murat Gassiev on a mobile phone. The fight stops, and then he makes the ultimate sin and he says my name, and it didn’t take long. As soon as he said my name I knew. When I was watching the phone, I knew.

“The World’s going to write me off, and the more you write me off the more I want to fight. We will see. I’m going up against the monster, the man who nobody really wants to fight. The man who just dismantles fighters and beats them easily. Make no mistake, he’s looking past me already. He might say he’s not, but he’s already asking Eddie ‘who am I going to fight at Heavyweight’. He thinks I’m arrogant. It is not arrogance that he sees, for the first time in his whole career he sees a man looking back at him that believes he can win, and not a man that believes he’s just going to lose. I don’t just think or believe, I know. I’m going to find a way, I always do. You will have to nail me to the floor, you will have to nail me to the floor to keep me there.

“I’ve got no disrespectful things to say to him, he’s an amazing Champion. On November 10 he’s going to learn that I bring something different to everyone else. I have the one thing that he doesn’t have, and that’s a punch that can switch lights off within the blink of an eye. One wrong step or one wrong manoeuvre, and it’s over. Every time that I’m wrote off I always find a way and on November 10 it’s going to be no different.”

In the build up to the huge Heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua OBE and Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium Connected by EE on September 22nd, one of the UK’s most prestigious business men and entrepreneurs, Chabuddy G, has given up some of his valuable time to teach Eddie Hearn the real art of promotion.

Despite the fact Matchroom boxing has sold over 450,000 tickets in 18 months, putting on an unprecedented amount of stadium fights, Chabuddy still feels Eddie has a lot to learn and in a series of videos released today he endeavours to impart some serious knowledge.

The video can be seen here;

Chabuddy meets Eddie –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASLSqvfdXTc

Stay tuned for more from Chabuddy over the next few days….

Joshua will defend his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO Heavyweight World titles against WBA mandatory challenger Povetkin at Wembley Stadium on September 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN in the US.

Limited General Sale tickets are available via www.stubhub.co.uk the official ticketing partner or https://events.wembleystadium.com. For accessible tickets please call Wembley Stadium on 0800 093 0824.

Sky Sports Box Office will exclusively show Joshua vs. Povetkin on 22 September from 6pm. Available to buy now at skysports.com/joshua

Nikita Ababiy will make his professional debut in the first Matchroom Boxing USA show live on DAZN at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on October 6.

The 19 year old Brooklyn talent know as ‘White Chocolate’ will join fellow former Team USA debutant Nkosi Solomon in taking his first steps in the professional game on the bill topped by Jessie Vargas’ clash with Thomas Dulorme – and the 19 year old former Jr. Golden Gloves champion cannot wait to showcase his skills live on DAZN.

“I’m so excited, this is what I’ve been training for my whole life and it’s time to show the world who ‘White Chocolate’ is,” said Ababiy.

“I’ve never been to Chicago so I’m looking forward to making my debut in a new city, it just adds to the whole occasion for me.

“I know that I am going to be really active with Eddie Hearn and DAZN. I think we’re looking at trying to fight ten times in the first year which would be great.

“The first couple of fights is looking to get experience. When I start facing fighters that are stronger then we may look to go down the weights, I think I could make Super-Welterweight and maybe even 147lbs, who knows, I want to do it all, winning World titles at multiple weights is the dream.

“I’ll fight anybody. Whoever wants to fight, let’s fight. I just want to take over, I want to win in every division and be a pound-for-pound star.

“People will always remember that Nikita Ababiy was one of the first guys to sign with Eddie Hearn and DAZN in the States. I am my biggest challenge. I know what I have to do. I cannot back down, that’s what makes me different.

“White Chocolate came about because when I was in the gym training and sparring, I was pretty flashy and they were saying ‘he’s white, with a lot of rhythm, let’s call him white chocolate’ and ever since then, that’s what it’s been ever since!

“I know that my style is awkward, I don’t like to be predictable. I train like I am preparing to fight the best in the world, that’s how I train, if I’m coming I’m ready – that’s all it is.”

Ababiy will take his spot under the bright lights as Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN usher in a new era in boxing in America.

There are two great World title clashes between IBF World Light-Heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev against Briton Callum Johnson and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman defending his crown for the third time against Britain’s Gavin McDonnell.

Ababiy’s fellow Brooklynite Jarrell Miller is right in the mix for the big fights in the Heavyweight division and he takes on Poland’s Tomasz Adamek, the former two-weight World champion who picked up and defended the Polish title in his last two fights in his homeland.

Along with these World stars, Chicago fight fans will be able to back two of their own on the night, with former World Lightweight title challenger Jessica McCaskill in action on the bill along with unbeaten Bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson.

Tickets for October 6 are on sale now priced $40, $60, $100 and $200 and are available from:

Nkosi Solomon will make his professional debut in the first Matchroom Boxing USA show live on DAZN at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on October 6.

The 23 year old amateur star from Brownsville, Brooklyn is billed as a future star in the Heavyweight division by promoter Eddie Hearn, and the former Team USA man and number one amateur in the States is thrilled to be joining the paid ranks in the Windy City on a stellar undercard to Jessie Vargas’ clash with Thomas Dulorme.

“My dream is right in front of me, right there, I just have to grab it,” said Solomon. “Nkosi Solomon is the only and greatest challenge I have to overcome when it comes to this boxing thing.

“I’m conquering my mind because once I do that, nobody, and I mean nobody in this world, can stop me.

“I have a dream to accomplish and I’ll be damned if I am going to let another man get in there and have his will beat my will.

“It’s a surreal feeling. I’ve been chasing this dream for so long, to become the undisputed Heavyweight champion of the world, as you get steps closer it feels amazing. The support I’ve had already is amazing and I just cannot wait to get started in Chicago and show what I’ve got.

“The talent in the gym allows me to be better as a man and a fighter. I’ve been in there for five years and I’ve been working hard every day.

“I’ve got an educated style – I’m a boxer-puncher, I want to be out there being smart and using my mind, don’t get me wrong, I like to fight, but the point of this game is to hit and not get hit – but I will be exciting to watch, believe me.”

Solomon will take his spot under the bright lights as Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN usher in a new era in boxing in America.

There are two great World title clashes between IBF World Light-Heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev against Briton Callum Johnson and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman defending his crown for the third time against Britain’s Gavin McDonnell.

Solomon’s fellow Brooklynite Jarrell Miller is right in the mix for the big fights in the Heavyweight division and he takes on Poland’s Tomasz Adamek, the former two-weight World champion who picked up and defended the Polish title in his last two fights in his homeland.

Along with these World stars, Chicago fight fans will be able to back two of their own on the night, with former World Lightweight title challenger Jessica McCaskill in action on the bill along with unbeaten Bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson.

Tickets for October 6 are on sale now priced $40, $60, $100 and $200 and are available from:

Lewis Ritson will return to the Metro Radio Arena Newcastle on October 13, live on Sky Sports.

The Geordie ace is feeling unstoppable after producing another stunning display of brutal power to destroy Paul Hyland Jr in one round to take home the British Lightweight title for keeps in June.

The ‘Sandman’ put the unbeaten Belfast man away in a similar fashion to the devastating defences against Manchester’s Joe Murray (first round) and Lytham St Anne’s Scotty Cardle (second round).

Ritson’s fanatical support blew the roof off the Tyneside arena in June and the Forest Hall fighter is promising another unforgettable performance in October as he sets his sights on European honours and beyond.

“The atmosphere inside the Metro Radio Arena was unreal in June and I can’t wait to get back in there on October 13,” said Ritson. “It’s been a rapid rise and I can’t wait to headline on the big stage again live on Sky Sports.

“The most important thing for me right now is keeping busy and I’m delighted to be fighting in an eight rounder on the Khan vs. Vargas undercard in September as well. I’m focused on winning and improving with every fight.

“It’s been a fantastic year for me and I want to continue to build in September and October. I’ve got a brilliant team around me that I trust and I’m confident they can guide me towards more major titles.”

Rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi features as he takes part in his eighth professional fight after landing his first title at The O2. He picked up the WBA International title with a stunning first round win over Andrejs Pokumeiko and will be looking to push on again on October 13.

Foot puts his Commonwealth title on the line for the first time after securing it with an 11th round stoppage win over Scotland’s Jason Easton in Glasgow in March. Davies Jnr dropped Michal Syrowatka three times on his way to avenging his sole career loss and winning back his WBA Continental strap last time out.

David Allen also returns after his ‘life-changing’ win over Nick Webb on the Whyte vs. Parker undercard at The O2 last month. The Doncaster fan favourite produced the moment of his career, sensationally stopping Webb with a devastating right hand in their British Heavyweight title eliminator.

“I’ll be honest I’m counting down the days til we are back in Newcastle,” said Eddie Hearn. “Last time out was something very special and October 13 will be even bigger. Lewis Ritson is a star with a city behind him and now we are on the World title march. His fight and the full undercard will be announced at a press conference soon, fans can expect a packed night with Joshua Buatsi, Dave Allen and a brilliant clash between Glen Foot and Robbie Davies Jnr.”

Full details of the October 13 card will be announced at a press conference in Newcastle later this month.

Tickets for the October 6 bumper bill at the Wintrust Arena on sale now

Eddie Hearn, President of Matchroom Boxing USA:

“It’s always great flying eight hours and you turn up and you see this state of the art, brand new arena, with some wonderful people working on this project that I know are going to make a huge effort for this event – Worlds Collide, October 6 live and exclusively on DAZN across America, Sky Sports in the UK. This is a huge event and the first of our 16 fights across the year on DAZN. We are delighted to be in Chicago, a great fight city that we hope to really invigorate on October 6 in front of a huge crowd. It’s a new era of broadcasting and a great chance to build our shows from top to bottom. No linear construction, no blocks getting in the way. Live throughout the night, stacked nights continuously, giving fight fans exactly what they want.”

Joe Markowski, SVP DAZN North America:

“I’m personally very excited to be here representing DAZN at the very start of our journey here in the US. Let me start by saying that DAZN was built by fans for fans, and whilst our platform in good time will be carrying a huge range of multisport content bringing tremendous value and excitement to fans of all types, our launch and our first faze here in America is very focused on boxing and fight sports. The reason for that, is we feel that boxing and MMA fans have been underserved for far too long. We’re really excited to be announcing today our first card in the US here in Chicago with our partners at Matchroom for October 6. It’s a really solid and deep card featuring two World title fights, former World Champions, undefeated fighters, another instalment of the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry during Hispanic Heritage Month. It really does promise to be a great night, a cracking show.”

Jessie Vargas – 28(10)-2-1 from Las Vegas, taking on Thomas Dulorme at Welterweight: “Thank you for the opportunity, it really is a pleasure. Thanks to Thomas Dulorme for stepping up to the plate and taking this challenge. I look forward to giving you great fights through DAZN, that’s the plan that we have. We have a great platform and we’re going to give you all excitement and all entertainment. I promise you that I will bring fireworks and I will bring entertainment. I am en-route to becoming a World Champion once again. I am a former two division World Champion. First of all, October 6 is going to be a great fight, Thomas Dulorme is a contender that always comes to give a showdown. He never lets you down, he always brings you action and when the name came up I said sure let’s do it! It doesn’t matter to me, whoever you want to put in front of me, I’m ready.”

Thomas Dulorme – 24(16)-3(2) from Puerto Rico, taking on Jessie Vargas at Welterweight: “Thank you for giving me this big opportunity. This is a great fight, it’s Mexico vs. Puerto Rico again!”

Artur Beterbiev – 12(12)-0 Russia fighting out of Montreal, Canada defending his IBF World Light-Heavyweight title against Callum Johnson: “First of all I would like to thank Matchroom Boxing for being part of this card in Chicago. If I’m not mistaken the trainer of my opponent said I have 13 wins and 13 KO’s, is he right? Because I only have 12 fight and 12 KO’s under my belt. Thank you very much for your time and see you on October 6.”

Callum Johnson – 17(12)-0 Light-Heavyweight from Lincoln, England challenging Artur Beterbiev for the IBF World Light-Heavyweight title: “I want to thank Matchroom, Eddie Hearn and DAZN for giving me this golden opportunity. I’ve dreamt of this moment since I was a little boy. Thanks to my trainer Joe Gallagher for getting me in this position. My last fight was a good win and it got me in the World rankings with the IBF and as Joe and Eddie said, nobody was taking this fight, nobody wanted to know. You only had to ask me once and I’m here. I’m coming to win the fight and I look forward to it. People are saying that I’m brave and as Joe said, fortune favours the brave.”

Joe Gallagher – trainer of Callum Johnson: “First of all I’d like to thank Matchroom, Eddie Hearn and DAZN for putting on this event. I’m really looking forward to this fight. Callum Johnson – 17 fights, 17 wins, 12 by knockout, going up against the World Champion Artur Beterbiev – 13 fights, 13 wins, 13 knockouts [incorrect as pointed out by Beterbiev]. I think the title of this show, Worlds Collide, sums up this fight. It’s a great fight, both haven’t been as active as they’d have liked to be over the past two years. There’s lots of questions to be answered by both fighters. Both have the power to knock each other out. Both can be knocked out. It’s an exciting fight. This is a huge opportunity and like Callum’s motto says – fortune favours the brave.”

Daniel Roman – 25(9)-2-1 from Los Angeles defending his WBA World Super-Bantamweight title against Gavin McDonnell from Doncaster, England: “Come October 6 I will be making the third defence of my World title and it won’t be my last one. I wish my best to Gavin and it will be a great fight and a great night.”

Tomasz Adamek – 53(31)-5(2) Poland fighting out of New Jersey, taking on Jarrell Miller at Heavyweight: “Thank you to Eddie Hearn for the opportunity to fight in Chicago again. 13 years ago was my first fight and I’m ready to go again on October 6 and October 6 is my day. We start our training camp on Monday. I want to say good luck to my opponent Jarrell Miller, I respect him, he is a good boy, a young boy. I am older and smarter, we will see who is better on October 6.”

Jarrell Miller – 21(18)-0-1 from Brooklyn, taking on Tomasz Adamek at Heavyweight: “Adamek made me kind of hungry when he called me a boy. He is a legend but when you fight a young stud like me, sometimes parents get their butt whipped. This young man is going to take it to pops. The Heavyweight division in booming right now. Adamek stepped up in the blink of an eye to take this fight and I take my hat off to him but bring the ambulance because it’s gunna be an early night. I’m not going to spend an extra round in that ring. AJ might be the best in England but he isn’t the best in America and that’s the way I see it. Hard work, dedication, cheeseburgers, let’s get it.”

Shawn Simpson – 8(3)-0 Bantamweight from Chicago in action on the undercard: “I want to thank Matchroom for giving this opportunity to fight on this card in my hometown in this beautiful arena. One day I hope to be where these guys are fighting for and defending World titles. On October 6th I’m going to put on a great show and show why I am one of the best Bantamweight prospects right now in boxing.”

Jessica McCaskill – 5(3)-2 Lightweight from Chicago in action on the undercard: “It’s so great to see everyone coming out today, it’s going to be a great fight on October 6th, all of the communities coming together for Worlds Collide. I’m definitely excited to represent Chicago as a Chicago fighter. I’m looking to get back into the World rankings and fight for a World title, this fight is going to take me there so make sure you stay tuned.”

(Chicago, IL) Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing USA are delighted to confirm the line-up for the first American show live on DAZN at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on October 6.

World-rated Welterweight and former two-weight World champion Jessie Vargas headlines the bill as he targets World honours in a third weigh class, and Vargas’ journey to that goal starts against former World Super-Lightweight World title challenger Thomas Dulorme, the Puerto Rican looking to derail the Las Vegas man’s ambitions at 147lbs.

Two great World title battles feature in the Windy City as crunching Russian puncher Artur Beterbiev defends his IBF World Light-Heavyweight strap against Briton Callum Johnson. Beterbiev has a perfect record of 12-0 with all wins coming via KO, but Johnson is an unbeaten feared puncher himself, having destroyed British champion Frank Buglioni inside a round of their clash in London in March – his 12th KO from 17 wins, pointing to this clash being one that promises to be a ferocious shootout.

Classy WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman defends his crown for the third time against Britain’s Gavin McDonnell. Roman won his title on the road in Japan in brilliant style with a stoppage win over Shun Kobo and was fantastic in both his first defence back in Japan against Ryo Matsumoto and his second against Moises Flores in California. The Californian is hunting unification clashes but will need to be at his best once again against McDonnell, the Doncaster ace having his second crack World honours having learnt so much in his majority decision loss against WBC champion Rey Vargas in February 2017 – making for a fascinating clash that could catch fire and steal the show.

Heavyweight boxing is as hot as it’s ever been right now, and Brooklyn’s Jarrell Miller is right in the mix for the big fights. ‘Big Baby’ is looking to add win number 22 to his slate and force himself into the conversation at the top table, and the man in his way is Poland’s Tomasz Adamek, the former two-weight World champion who picked up and defended the Polish title in his last two fights in his homeland.

Along with these World stars, Chicago fight fans will be able to back two of their own on the night, with former World Lightweight title challenger Jessica McCaskill in action on the bill along with unbeaten Bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson.

Tickets for October 6 go on sale at 3pm (CT) today (August 8) priced $40, $60, $100 and $200 and are available from:

Frank Smith: “It’s great to be back here in Cardiff for another fantastic evening of boxing at the Ice Arena Wales. We have hosted two massive nights here recently topped by Heavyweight king Anthony Joshua and now it’s time for the youngsters to make their mark. British boxing is in such a good place at the moment and the JD NXTGEN series is a fantastic way to showcase some of the best up and coming talent in the UK. There’s a huge array of talent featuring on Saturday’s show and I’m looking forward to an exciting night.”

Kody Davies: “I want to thank everyone involved in getting me on this show. Joe and Sean are old Team GB team mates of mine and it’s good to be fighting on their undercard. Me and Gavin have been putting in some serious hours in the gym and it’s going to show on Saturday night. I can’t wait for you all to see what I’m capable of.”

Daniyar Yeleussinov: “I feel good and I’m very happy to be here in the beautiful city of Cardiff. I’m looking to put on an exciting performance and make some new fans so make sure you come and see me fight.”

Dylan McDonagh: “I’m excited to be here in Cardiff. Thanks to Matchroom for getting me on this brilliant show. This is my moment and I’m ready to seize my opportunity. I’m not scared of anyone and don’t care who they put in front of me. I believe that I’ll do a job on Sean on Saturday so make sure that you tune in.”

Sean McGoldrick: “I’ve recently changed trainers. Everything has been great with Gavin. I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life and I can’t wait to fight in Wales for the first time in my pro career. I’m ready to put on a big performance for everyone.”

Natasha Jonas: “Boxing has taken me all around the World but never to Wales so it’s nice to be here in Cardiff. My opponent is a durable opponent, she went the distance with Katie Taylor. I want to showcase my talent. I just need to tick another box off and show what I can do.”

Sean Dodd: “I’m looking forward to getting back to winning ways and getting my hands back on the Commonwealth title. I’m ready to make a big change and put in a good performance. I can see that Joe has a great family backing him so it’s just like being back at home for me, it’s nice to see. I wish the very best for the both of us. I need to stick to my game plan, work hard and get the win. This is a massive test for me and I’m really looking forward to getting in there and seeing what happens. I’m up against it but in life you get nowhere without taking risks. I’m ready for this.”

Joe Cordina: “I won my first professional title here in Cardiff on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s win over Joseph Parker at the Principality Stadium and it’s good to be making the first defence of it here as well. I’m in a proper fight now. Sean is great fighter, he’s got a lot of heart and he’s got a great fanbase that will be making a lot of noise on Saturday. It’s going to be a hell of a fight. This will be my hardest fight in the professionals to date. There’s going to be fireworks. I’m going to give it everything I have to come away with the Commonwealth title. I’m fighting for my kids and there’s no way that I’m wasting this opportunity.”

Main event at the Ice Arena Wales sees Joe Cordina and Sean Dodd clash for the Vacant Commonwealth and WBA International Lightweight titles, Welsh Commonwealth Gold Medal man Sean McGoldrick fights on home soil for the first time in the paid ranks against unbeaten Irishman Dylan McDonagh, Natasha Jonas steps up her hunt for World honours with a first defence of her WBA Super-Featherweight Inter-Continental title against Viviane Obenauf, Rio Olympic Gold Medal stand-out Daniyar Yeleussinov fights for the third time in the pros, unbeaten Featherweight talent Jordan Gill continues his journey to more titles and Light-Heavyweight talent Anthony Sims Jr. makes his debut under new promoter Eddie Hearn with action elsewhere from Birmingham Super-Bantamweight Gamal Yafai, Lytham Lightweight Scott Cardle, Newport Super-Middleweight Daniel Barton, Cardiff Light-Heavyweight Nathan Thorley, Gloucester Welterweight Akeem Ennis Brown and Pontilanfraith Light-Heavyweight Kody Davies.

Talented amateur John Docherty has signed a promotional agreement with Matchroom Boxing.

Docherty landed Commonwealth Games bronze for Scotland in Australia in April, defeating England’s Ben Whittaker to reach the semi-final stage and land his medal.

The former Team GB man has chosen to join the paid ranks following his success Down Under and will follow in the footsteps of three-weight World ruler and Scottish legend Ricky Burns by training under Tony Sims in Essex.

Docherty will start life as a Super-Middleweight and will make his debut in the new season, and the 20 year old cannot wait to get his pro journey underway.

“I am so excited to get my pro career started,” said Docherty. “I loved my time with Team GB and representing my country in Australia was a huge honour, but that chapter is closed now and I cannot wait to test myself in the pro’s.

“It’s brilliant to team up with Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports, and training with Tony in Essex is going to bring me on so much. There’s lots of class fighters in the gym and of course, I’ll be training with Ricky, who is a legend in Scotland and someone I’ve always looked up to, so to be able to learn from him every day is going to be amazing.”

“I am delighted to welcome John to the team,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “John’s amateur pedigree speaks for itself and he has all the ingredients to be a big success in the paid ranks.

“He’s a fiercely ambitious young man that is eager to learn every day, which is vital to make it in this sport. John’s commitment to move down to Tony’s gym in Essex to be alongside his fellow countryman and Scottish great Ricky Burns shows how dedicated he is to becoming a star, and I can’t wait to see his journey get underway in the new season.”